Inside Iowa State

March 2, 2006

Faculty, staff urged to volunteer for national Special Olympics

Faculty and staff are encouraged to volunteer for the Special Olympics USA National Games this summer.

Vice president for business and finance Warren Madden said that university officials hope to encourage more to volunteer for the games by allowing faculty and P&S staff to volunteer during the work day without charging the hours to their leave time. Madden said it's possible for the university to allow the arrangement for faculty and P&S staff because they are salaried employees, who already invest the hours necessary to get their jobs done.

"In addition, their volunteer work will be performed in the public interest, as they represent Iowa and Iowans on a national scale," he said.

Federal Fair Labor Standards regulations and the collective bargaining agreement do not allow ISU officials to offer this arrangement to hourly or merit employees who are covered by the bargaining agreement, Madden said. Hourly or merit staff who wish to volunteer during work hours will need to take vacation or leave without pay or use compensatory time.

Employees who wish to volunteer during work hours will need approval from their supervisors, Madden said. He urged supervisors to accommodate any employees who wish to volunteer -- if volunteers' absences won't substantially disrupt units' services to clients.

An estimated 10,000 volunteers will be needed to help with the Olympics July 2-8. Madden added that volunteers are also needed evenings, weekends and especially, on the Fourth of July.

"We hope many of our employees will be able to help with Special Olympics National Games," President Gregory Geoffroy said. "Those who have volunteered for Special Olympics will tell you it is time well spent."

To register and read more about being a volunteer, go to the Web site at http://www.2006nationalgames.org or call (515) 598-5600.

An estimated 10,000 volunteers are needed to help with Special Olympics National Games July 2-8.

Faculty and P&S staff can volunteer to help during the work day without charging hours to their leave time.

"We hope many of our employees will be able to help with Special Olympics National Games. Those who have volunteered for Special Olympics will tell you it is time well spent."

President Gregory Geoffroy